Elderly patients face 12-hour waiting times in Accident and Emergency

Daily MirrorIndependentProgressive6 hr. ago

A report by the Nuffield Trust highlights that elderly individuals, particularly those over 80, are significantly more likely to experience prolonged waits of 12 hours or more in Accident and Emergency (A&E) departments. According to the data, 43% of over-80s faced such waits in 2025, compared to 19% of those aged 21 to 30. The report criticizes the current state of emergency care, noting that these long waits often occur in unsafe conditions and contribute to avoidable deaths. Health professionals emphasize that these delays are part of a broader systemic issue, with many patients spending days in emergency departments awaiting beds. The report also mentions that 'corridor care,' where patients receive treatment in non-clinical settings like hospital corridors, has been increasingly used since 2022, raising concerns about the quality and safety of care.

Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the issue of long A&E waits as a systemic failure exacerbated by government policies and underlines the human cost of these delays. It emphasizes the vulnerability of the elderly and criticizes both past and present governmental responses, using emotive language and citing experts

The IndependentIndependentCenter6 hr. ago

A report by the Nuffield Trust reveals that elderly patients, particularly those aged 81 and above, experience significantly longer waiting times in Accident and Emergency (A&E) departments compared to younger patients. Over 43% of over-80s waited more than 12 hours in 2025, compared to 19% of those aged 21-30. The study defines 'corridor care' as treatment provided outside a safe clinical setting, which violates basic patient rights such as privacy and access to essential amenities. While the report acknowledges the government's efforts to publish monthly corridor care figures, it warns that focusing solely on eliminating corridor care might lead hospitals to adopt counterproductive practices, such as delaying patient handovers. Key contributing factors include insufficient hospital beds and inadequate social care services, resulting in prolonged waits and unsafe conditions for vulnerable patients.

Bias read (Center): The article presents findings from a reputable think tank (Nuffield Trust) without overtly endorsing or criticizing specific political parties or policies. It reports on systemic healthcare challenges without taking a clear ideological stance, though it does highlight concerns about government focus